Inbound l Outbound

2. SUSTAINABILITY OF TROPICAL HERITAGE

Course Objectives

To absorb and appreciate the unique tropical heritage and diverse cultures of the Malaysian community whilst building international friendships. Specifically it:

bullet enables participants to understand better the natural heritage concept and observe the integrated conservation efforts for sustainability and eco-tourism;
bullet allows participants to experience first-hand and document visually the  geological and biological heritage of Langkawi Island, Mount Kinabalu and the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in Cameron Highlands  Pahang and Sarawak; and
bullet enables participants to analyse the effectiveness of the various conservation initiatives in Malaysia.

Course Structure

The course on Sustainability of Tropical Heritage is spearheaded by the Institute for Environment & Development (LESTARI) and Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The course introduces  and provides participants with the knowledge of a tropical eco-system, Malaysia’s cultural and economic environment and value of sustainable tropical heritage.

Course Content

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Core Content — participants will learn the concept of nature heritage, sustainable development of nature resources and holistic nature conservation. participants will also study the physical landscape and bio-diversity of the Malaysia tropical ecosystem. 

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Language Proficiency  — participants will learn basic conversational Malay language. 

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General knowledge — Participants will learn about Malaysia’s socio-economic  and cultural background.

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Enrichment Activities — In Cameron Highlands (Pahang) participants will have a chance to interact and live with the Orang Asli. In Sabah, participants will have the opportunity to climb Mt.Kinabalu and experience snorkelling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.  In Sarawak, participants will visit Southeast Asia’s finest living museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village. In Kedah, participants will visit Langkawi Geopark.

Cultural Knowledge & Enrichment

Malaysia has diverse geological and biological ecosystems, boasting unique physical landscapes, primary rainforests and diverse marine life. There is a remarkable mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. It has modern cities with excellent infrastructure existing alongside world heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves.

 

 

Key Components

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Dissemination of core knowledge of geological diversity, flora and fauna diversity and cultural diversity;

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Discussing of issues on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;

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Field trip to Cameron Highlands (Pahang) and Langkawi Geopark (Kedah)

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Field trip to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah;

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Field trip to Kuching, Sarawak and visit Sarawak Cultural Village that presents a multitude of indigenous culture, arts and crafts for cultural enrichment;

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Conversational Malay lesson; and

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"Buddy system' through which international friendships can be formed as visiting students are partnered with students from UKM.


Sustainable Tropical Heritage

 

For Whom

Registered undergraduate students at their respective home universities.

By Whom

Respected academics and resource personnel, combining working and research experience on indigenous communities and sustainable tropical heritage with strong teaching skills

Duration
The duration of the programme is four weeks. The programme will be conducted bi annually in June/July and December.

The programme comprises:

  • 50 hours of lectures & discussions on campus
  • 80 hours of fieldwork in Cameron Highlands (Pahang), Langkawi Geopark (Kedah),  Sarawak Cultural Village (Sarawak),  and Mt.Kinabalu (Sabah).
  • 30 hours of presentation and discussion of mini projects on campus

Evaluation and Credit Transfer

Participants are required to prepare  a mini project comprising both descriptive and visual journal of their course work and field experience. This documentary should depict  the subject knowledge and the cultural and physical experience gained through the programme, integrating theoretical knowledge with the experience on the ground. This mini project aims at familiarising participants with Malaysia as they are required to make contacts with Malaysians and relate this Malaysian experience to their personal and professional development.   As part of the assessment, this mini project will be presented at a workshop attended by Malaysian students, academic staff, participating agencies and staff from the Embassy or High Commission.

Why participate in UKM-GLOBAL Student Mobility Partnerships Programme?

This is an opportunity to live abroad and experience Malaysia’s unique tropical heritage with her people’s  diverse cultures and customs that will help participants become better students/tourist ambassadors. Participants will have a unique understanding of how Malaysians have linked and sustained diverse geological landscapes and biological heritage with modern life as participants experience both. Participants get to learn to communicate in a new language which broadens their language horizons. Participants can expand their world-view, initiative and flexibility, which together with their intercultural experience, become valuable assets to prospective employers in an increasingly global workplace.

 

Cost of the Programme

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit

RM4,200.00
US Dollars
US$1,300.00
Australian Dollars
AU$1500.00
Euro
EU1,000.00
Note: This amount does not include international flight, insurance and visa